Honey Lime Chicken Kebabs

$- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 1/4 cup honey - 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lime juice - 1 red bell pepper - 1 green bell pepper - 1 large red onion - 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil - 3 cloves garlic, finely minced - 1 teaspoon ground cumin - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika - Salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste - You can use wooden or metal skewers. - Soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes before grilling. This keeps them from burning. {{ingredient_image_2}} To start, grab a large mixing bowl. In it, whisk together the honey, lime juice, olive oil, minced garlic, ground cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth. This marinade is key. It adds flavor and helps tenderize the chicken. Letting the marinade sit for a bit allows the flavors to blend. I recommend letting it rest for about 10 minutes. Take your cubed chicken pieces and add them to the bowl. Make sure each piece is coated well in the marinade. This step is crucial for great taste. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid. Place it in the fridge. For the best flavor, marinate for at least 30 minutes. If you have time, letting it sit for up to 2 hours works wonders. While the chicken marinates, preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. It should be nice and hot when you're ready to cook. Now, assemble your kebabs. Start by taking a skewer and threading on a piece of chicken. Then add a piece of red pepper, followed by a piece of green pepper, and a wedge of onion. Repeat this pattern. It makes the kebabs colorful and fun! Once your grill is hot, place the kebabs on it. Cook them for about 10 to 12 minutes. Turn them often to ensure even cooking. This helps achieve those beautiful grill marks. You want the chicken to reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Use a meat thermometer for accuracy. After removing the kebabs from the grill, let them rest for about 5 minutes. This step is important. It allows the juices to redistribute, making the meat juicy and tender. For serving, arrange the kebabs on a large platter. Garnish with lime wedges and fresh cilantro for a bright look. A cool yogurt dip or tzatziki pairs nicely, too! To get the best grill marks, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Place the kebabs on the grill and don’t move them for a few minutes. This helps create those lovely marks. Turn the kebabs every few minutes for even cooking. To ensure chicken is fully cooked, check its internal temperature. Use a meat thermometer to make sure it reaches 165°F (75°C). This keeps the chicken safe and juicy. Marination is key to great flavor. The honey and lime juice work together to tenderize the chicken. This makes it juicy and full of taste. Marinate for at least 30 minutes, but for the best flavor, try overnight. You can use a zip-lock bag to make it easy. Arranging kebabs nicely can impress your guests. Place them on a large platter, with lime wedges and fresh cilantro on the side. This adds color and freshness. For an extra touch, serve with a cool yogurt dip or tzatziki. It pairs well and adds a nice contrast to the sweet and tangy chicken. Pro Tips Marinate Longer for More Flavor: For the best flavor, marinate the chicken for at least 2 hours, or even overnight if possible. This allows the spices and the honey-lime mixture to penetrate the meat deeply. Skewer for Easy Grilling: When threading the kebabs, alternate chicken pieces with vegetables to ensure even cooking and a vibrant presentation. This also helps the veggies to soak up the marinade flavors. Check for Doneness: Always use a meat thermometer to check that the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). This ensures the chicken is fully cooked and safe to eat. Rest Before Serving: Allow the kebabs to rest for about 5 minutes after grilling. This helps to redistribute the juices, resulting in a juicier and more flavorful chicken. {{image_4}} You can switch the chicken with shrimp or tofu. Shrimp cooks quickly and adds a nice flavor. Tofu absorbs the marinade well, making it tasty for vegetarians. For veggies, try zucchini, cherry tomatoes, or mushrooms. Each brings a unique twist to the dish. Feel free to mix and match your favorites for a fun kebab experience! Want to spice things up? Add chili powder for heat. It gives a nice kick without overpowering the dish. You can also try different marinades. Teriyaki sauce adds a sweet and savory touch. Soy sauce with ginger and garlic offers a great alternative too. Experiment with herbs like cilantro or basil for bright flavors. These small changes can make a big difference! Grilling is fun, but you can bake the kebabs in the oven too. Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) and cook for about 20 minutes. Broiling is another option for indoor cooking. Place the kebabs under the broiler for 10-12 minutes, turning halfway through. Each method offers a unique flavor and texture. Choose what works best for you! To keep your honey lime chicken kebabs fresh, store them properly. First, let them cool down to room temperature. Then, place the kebabs in an airtight container. This keeps moisture in and prevents odors from other foods. You can also wrap them tightly in plastic wrap. Refrigerate your leftovers right away. They will stay good for about 3 to 4 days. When reheating, you have two options: microwave or oven. The microwave is quick but can dry out the chicken. If you use it, heat in short bursts and check often. The oven is a better choice for juicy kebabs. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the kebabs on a baking sheet, cover them with foil, and heat for about 10 minutes. This helps keep them moist and flavorful. If you want to store kebabs for longer, freezing is great. Wrap each kebab in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. Be sure to remove as much air as possible. This helps avoid freezer burn. When you’re ready to eat them, take the kebabs out of the freezer and thaw overnight in the fridge. Reheat them using the oven method for the best taste. I suggest marinating the chicken for at least 30 minutes. For deeper flavor, let it sit for up to 2 hours. The longer the chicken marinates, the more the flavors blend. Honey and lime add a sweet and tangy taste that really enhances the chicken. Yes, you can use other meats! Shrimp, pork, or even tofu work great. Each option brings its own unique taste. Just adjust the marination time. Shrimp needs less time, while pork may need longer. Try serving the kebabs with rice, quinoa, or a fresh salad. Grilled vegetables also complement the flavors well. You could also add a cool yogurt dip or tzatziki for extra zest. To check if the chicken is ready, use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, cut into a piece. The meat should be opaque and juices should run clear. Yes, you can prepare the kebabs ahead. Marinate the chicken and assemble the kebabs. Store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours before grilling. This saves time and lets the flavors develop even more. This guide covered everything from ingredients to methods for perfect honey lime chicken kebabs. Preparing your marinade, marinating the chicken, and grilling with care led to delicious results. Remember, the right marinade makes a big difference in flavor. You can also play around with ingredients for fun variations. Store your leftovers wisely for tasty meals later. Enjoy these kebabs with your favorite sides, knowing you’ve mastered a great dish!$

Delicious chicken kebabs marinated in a sweet and tangy honey lime sauce, grilled to perfection.

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Prep Time 30

Cook Time 30

Total Time 1

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 300 kcal

Ingredients

1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
0.25 cup honey
0.25 cup freshly squeezed lime juice
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
3 cloves garlic, finely minced
1 teaspoon ground cumin
0.5 teaspoon smoked paprika
to taste salt and freshly cracked black pepper
1 red bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
1 green bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
1 large red onion, cut into wedges
as needed skewers (wooden or metal)

Instructions

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the honey, lime juice, olive oil, minced garlic, ground cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper until the marinade is smooth and well-blended.
Add the cubed chicken pieces to the marinade, ensuring they are evenly coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate. Marinate for at least 30 minutes, or for enhanced flavor, let it sit in the fridge for up to 2 hours.
Preheat your grill or a grill pan over medium-high heat until hot.
As the grill heats, prepare the kebabs by carefully threading the marinated chicken, red pepper, green pepper, and onion wedges onto the skewers. Alternate the ingredients for a colorful presentation.
When the grill is ready, place the prepared kebabs on it. Cook for 10-12 minutes, turning them occasionally to ensure even cooking and to achieve beautiful grill marks. The chicken is fully cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
Once cooked, remove the kebabs from the grill and allow them to rest for about 5 minutes before serving to let the juices redistribute.

Notes

Soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes before use to prevent burning.

Keyword chicken, grilling, honey lime, kebabs